Tuesday elections set in McLoud, Maud, Pink; Earlsboro to decide school bonds

Sunday

Mar 31, 2013 at 10:00 AM

Pottawatomie County voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide municipal races in McLoud, Maud and Pink, while school board runoffs will be decided in Maud and Konawa. In Earlsboro, voters who last approved a bond issue in 1971 will be asked to decide two school bond issues.

Kim Morava

Pottawatomie County voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide municipal races in McLoud, Maud and Pink, while school board runoffs will be decided in Maud and Konawa. In Earlsboro, voters who last approved a bond issue in 1971 will be asked to decide two school bond issues.

Earlsboro Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $495,000 proposition for school improvements as well as a transportation bond for $80,000 to purchase a new school bus.

As far as the building projects, Superintendent Mark Maloy said there are many projects slated for the $495,000 proposition, which is a five-year bond.

Projects include replacing 1950s-era cast iron plumbing in the high school, installing new tile in the elementary hallways and classrooms, as well purchasing a new marquee sign for the school.

Also on the list are constructing a new bus barn and purchasing an eight-passenger van for special education and small group transports.

Maloy, who said Earlsboro voters last approved a school bond in 1971, said constructing a new multipurpose building is also planned. The building could be used for extra-curricular activities and a practice area for the district’s new archery classes, as well as be available for community use.

Since plans are to construct the new building adjacent to the district’s newer gym, there would be additional restrooms for both facilities, Maloy said, and there are plans to remodel the current restrooms and lobby in the gym.

The bonds, if approved, will increase the annual property taxes for those living in the Earlsboro school district.

Estimates show that if a homeowner’s annual taxes are $100 per year, taxes will increase $34.44 for each $100 in annual taxes currently paid. The change averages to an increase of $2.87 per month for every $100 in annual property taxes.

Earlsboro Public Schools currently has about 230 students, Maloy said, so he encourages all patrons of the district to “get out and vote.”